First Nations owned brand Liyan offers unique products which support physical health and wellbeing, all whilst fusing culture, aesthetics and practicality.

Created and founded by proud Nyikina Mangala and Jabirr Jabirrv woman Simone Atkinson in 2023, Liyan creates and sells both sand-free travel towels and gym towels, as well as the recent addition of yoga mats.

"I've always wanted my designs on products and wanted a product that means something to me, that's when my husband and I came up with the idea of Sandfree Travel Towels and Gym Towels," Atkinson told Style Up.

"Growing up I always had a passion for sports and being outdoors. Launching Liyan, a brand dedicated to promoting movement and wellbeing.

"Building on this theme of movement and connection to nature, I have recently introduced yoga mats to my collection.

Having grown up as a creative, creating Liyan was somewhat of a natural artistic progression for Atkinson.

"Growing up in Geraldton, Hallscreek and Broome I always loved being creative in any way I could whether it be drawing, painting or art lessons at school," she said.

"Dot painting reminds me of home in Broome and connects me back to country. I love creating vibrant and contemporary designs as commission pieces.

"I've had many opportunities to showcase my art around Perth at local Popup stores and now I want to give those opportunities back to the younger Indigenous artists."

When it comes to Liyan's products and the creative inspiration behind the brands designs, Atkinson says the designs are reflective of her own upbringing and culture as well as her community and local surrounds.

"All of my designs represent my family tribal groups, Nyikina Mangala on the Fitzroy River and Jabirr Jabirr on the coast of Willie Creek and Broome," she said.

"The colours, textures and patterns seen in Broome's vibrant landscapes, with stories behind each design of family travelling back home to country bringing a sense of well-being, balance and harmony.

"I have created products with my indigenous designs that tell a story and I'd love to see other Aboriginal artists get their designs out there, especially helping young artists to get more exposure, share their stories, and spread messages of positivity and collaboration."

Atkinson said her first collaboration was with local Perth artist, Erika Fernandez.

"Her design is featured on our adults and kids beach towel. The design represents the healing that you feel from being in nature," she said.

"Whether it's going for a walk, heading to the beach or river, camping, or spending time out bush, the fresh air, the warmth of the sun, and the feeling of the land beneath your feet all contribute to healing."

Placing emphasis on low environmental impact, Atkinson has created Liyan with sustainability front of mind.

"The towels are made from microfibre suede, incorporating up to 20 recycled plastic bottles per towel," she said.

"The gym towels are also lightweight, ultra-absorbent, and quick-drying, perfect for all types of activity—whether you're hitting the gym, going for a run, or hiking your favourite trail.

"Once a design concept is ready, it's sent to our supplier, who creates a digital mock-up of the product," Atkinson said of the production process.

"I carefully review each sample to ensure it captures the spirit and functionality I envision. Once satisfied with the result, I place a bulk order, ensuring every towel meets their standards for beauty, comfort, and durability.

"My travel towels and gym towels combine function, style with my contemporary Aboriginal designs. Lightweight, compact, and quick-drying, these towels are perfect for beach days, weekend getaways, or air travel."

Despite only launching the brand in November 2023, Liyan has already had a wealth of success with both consumers and in the media, resulting in the brand engaging in several opportunities across Perth.

"A highlight since starting Liyan were having my sand-free beach towels and gym towels featured at the AFL Indigenous Round at Optus Stadium," Atkinson told Style Up.

"I was asked to have some photos with Fremantle Dockers player Shai Bolton to help promote the Indigenous market stalls, which was distributed nationally and on the AFL socials.

Atkinson said another highlight included being invited to the International Woman's Day event at Fortescue HQ in Perth.

"It was a great opportunity to meet other market stall holders and Inspiring Aboriginal woman-led businesses," she said.

"I've also loved being involved at local markets such as Perth Upmarket and Summer X Salt in Trigg. Being involved in these types of events really help me grow my brand and speak to customers about my products."

Atkinson says in 2025 she hopes to focus on more meaningful collaborations, engage in further opportunities and transform the brand into a platform for positive cultural exchange.

"I'm really excited to be creating designs with businesses that would like custom designed Travel Towels and Gym Towels incorporating their brand colours and logo," she said.

"I'm currently working with a Pilates Studio Owner in Melbourne who have asked me to design a gym towel, incorporating their logo and brand colours.

"I love these opportunities to connect with other people. These collaborations will help me work with other Businesses in the future."

Atkinson said she is looking forward to expanding her product range to include items that align with the brand ethos of health, well-being, and sustainability.

"In the near future I look forward to collaborating with another Indigenous Artist to showcase their designs in our next range," she said.

"My vision for Liyan is not only to build a business but to inspire pride in Aboriginal culture through accessible, well-made products and hope that Liyan can become a platform for positive cultural exchange."

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